Nix federal building in need of repair

Market East's historic Robert N.C. Nix Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse could get a needed facelift thanks to a $3.416 million request included in President Obama's 2014 budget.

The Nix building, which runs along 9th Street between Chestnut and Market, was built as a Public Works Administration project between 1937-1939. It is notable for its Moderne design, and one can't help but notice the charismatic bas relief sculptures along the ground floor: Donald De Lue's allegories of justice and law flank the entrances on Market and Chestnut, while Edmond Amateis's along 9th Street show styliezed letter carriers in the "four corners" of America. The Nix building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1990.

These days the building’s façade and windows are in need of restoration attention.

The facades along Market, Chestnut and 9th streets require “significant masonry work to prevent further cracking and falling debris,” said Gina Gilliam, US General Services Administration’s Regional Public Affairs Officer. Gilliam also explained via email that the buildings monumental bronze windows will be repaired primed and coated. Cracked and failing glass will be replaced, and the aluminum and steel windows will be cleaned to remove corrosion.

The building's western facade will be repaired this year due to its substantial deterioration and even more pressing safety concerns.

About the author

Ashley Hahn, Editor, Eyes on the Street

Ashley writes and edits Eyes on the Street. She has a special interest in preservation, neighborhoods, and all things public – from policy to art. Ashley holds masters degrees in City and Regional Planning and Historic Preservation from PennDesign.

Ashley has lived in 12 zip codes that she can think of, including neighborhoods in Los Angeles, Chicago, Boston, New York and Philadelphia. She is proud to call 19147 home.